A 200-strong congregation, as well as hundreds of strangers who stopped in respect, looked on as Signaller Wayne Bland's Union Jack-draped coffin was carried through a guard of honour in his home city.

The 21-year-old, from 16 Signal Regiment, died in Afghanistan on August 11.

He was providing top-cover while travelling in a convoy of vehicles undertaking a route familiarisation patrol in Kabul when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device.

Two other soldiers from his regiment were also wounded during the attack.

The six-car cortege was given a police escort through his home city of Leeds and the service at Leeds Parish Church was conducted over a loudspeaker so listeners could hear tributes to the brave soldier.

Fourteen of his colleagues with rifles bowed as his coffin was carried through the sombre courtyard by six more of his friends while two bagpipe players played 'Amazing Grace', reducing some onlookers in the city centre street overlooking the church to tears.

The service, attended by Signaller Bland's mum, Moe, 45, and his sisters, heard a reading written by his 11-year-old brother Jordan ' read out by the Rector of Leeds, the Rev Canon Tony Bundock.

He said: 'To my big bro Wayne, he was the best brother anyone could ever have.

"He always looked after us and we looked after him. I hope he still watches over us wherever he is.

"I am so proud of him and all that he has done and I hope that I can be like him some day.

"I love him loads, his little brother Jordan."